Criticisms would not deter PGMA to travel abroad — Bello

June 26, 2009 8:05 am

MANILA, June 26 - Strong criticisms being hurled by the oppositions against her frequent foreign trips would not prevent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to travel abroad in an effort to promote the welfare of the Philippines and the Filipino people.

Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III expressed belief that President Arroyo, although sensitive and conscious to criticisms, would not compromise her strong determination to push the interest and welfare of the country through the strengthening of business and trade relations with other countries.

The President is very sensitive to issues. She is always conscious to the pulse of the people and I am very sure that she considered this concern of criticism. But this should not deter from following up things that would benefit our country in terms of business relations, foreign investments and other benefits that could come as a result of her foreign trips, Bello said.

He said the opposition is merely in a constant search mode for issues against the President especially now that it is election season.

He stressed the need for the Filipinos to look into the cost benefit ratio of the Presidents trips for them to realize the true gains vis-a-vis the travel expenses.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, for his part, pointed out that the President does not take vacations when she travels abroad but works tirelessly to ensure the stability of our Philippine economy and that our allies and security partners understand our positions and interests.

The Presidents trips abroad, Remonde added, have yielded more jobs for Filipinos, increased trade and investment, increased tourist arrivals and higher volumes and levels of development assistance.

The visits are international, but the beneficiaries are always the people of the Philippines, he added. (PNA)